The Haryana government has ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Ambala district from December 14 to 17, as a precautionary measure to prevent potential law-and-order disruptions following the farmers’ call for “Delhi Kooch”.
Key Details of the Suspension
- Effective Period:
- From 6:00 AM, December 14 to 11:59 PM, December 17.
- Affected Areas:
- Specific villages in Ambala district, including Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Saddopur, Manakpur, Kakru, Devi Nagar, and others.
- Services Impacted:
- Mobile internet, SMS services, and dongle-based internet services.
- Exempted Services: Voice calls, broadband, banking communications, and individual SMS remain functional to minimize inconvenience.
- Reason for Suspension:
- To prevent the spread of misinformation and false rumors via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Curbing potential mobilization of agitators that may cause damage to public and private property, arson, or violence.
Government’s Statement
Citing powers under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, the Haryana Home Secretary stated:
“There is apprehension of tension, annoyance, agitation, damage of public and private property, and disturbance of public peace and tranquility in Ambala district.”
The directive emphasizes the need to maintain public order during the farmers’ “Delhi Kooch” and prevent any escalation of violence or disruption.
Farmers’ Protest Update
Meanwhile, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that a ‘Jathha’ of 101 farmers will make a fresh attempt to march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border on Saturday at noon.
- The farmers’ protest has now entered its 307th day, with thousands of farmers camped near Delhi’s borders.
- Key Demands: A charter of 12 demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Pandher criticized the government, stating:
“The Prime Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister have remained silent on the issue… The government agencies are trying their best to ensure that the ‘morcha’ does not win.”
Security Measures
- Drone visuals from the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border show farmers blocking roads with vehicles.
- Authorities are on high alert to manage the situation and prevent any escalation.
As the agitation intensifies, farmers emphasize their resolve to press the government to address their demands through collective demonstrations and nationwide support.
The suspension of internet and SMS services is part of the government’s strategy to preempt any disruption while balancing public convenience and security.